I’m a man – can I call you?

We are happy to take an initial call from any male survivor, but are not able to offer on-going support.

While we recognise the experiences and pain of men who have suffered any kind of sexual violence, here at Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre we have found that a women-only service provision is an invaluable environment for many female callers. We recognise the need for specialist services for men and are more than happy to signpost male callers to those services who can support them.

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Testimonials

Absolutely can't fault [my ISVA]. She's been completely brilliant. If there was a stronger agree option, that is where I'd've ticked.

[I valued] learning to be honest with myself, to become strong and learning to deal with issues rather than bury them away.

The kind way I was listened to, believed and not judged. I was helped to see that I was a victim, not responsible for my ill-treatment.

[Counselling] gave me the language to talk about my assault and the motivation to do so.

Fantastic counselling, with such a kind and patient counsellor.

Being able to think more positively. Learned not to use negative/angry language where possible.

[My counsellor] was very supportive and understanding.

Talking with my therapist […] was really helpful for many aspects of my life.

It was a way to express emotions in a safe environment.

It was good to be surrounded by women who could relate to how I felt.

The support I have received has really helped me and I am very grateful [...] it has been a massive help and I will be holding onto the positive outlook it has helped me to get hold of as much as I can.

I talked to the police before having an ISVA. CRCC gave me phone support regarding what rights I have [and] what the interview would be like.

[The group] allowed me to explore new techniques and subject matters, and has put me in touch with some amazing women. Just the feeling of support and non-judgement alone was awesome.

Counselling has helped me understand and come to terms with my situation.

[My counsellor] is fantastic! She is calm, empathetic, real in her responses. Her honesty and demeanour made it easier to get past my trust issues and get down to "work". The fact that the sessions are free made me feel like the time was a precious gift and therefore I had to use the time responsibly.

The feeling of isolation has subsided, just knowing there's someone who understands has made it easier to cope.

The encouragement and support and having a safe space to openly talk and not be judged for it

[Counselling] has helped me feel a lot more confident in speaking about my problems. I feel more in control of my decisions and understand I can make them.

My protective shell now lets the air through! I don't feel responsible for protecting every young woman. I don't feel the need to be on constant alert for danger.

Being believed, understood, accepted and getting challenged so that I could go on the journey towards living with freedom. Freedom of thought, emotion and action.

[I have learned] that I can write about things other than depressing subjects, and there are people out there who will support and encourage you no matter how ‘damaged’ everyone else labels you, and you are not alone in what you’ve been through.

[The ISVA Navigator] was so helpful and lovely. She made me feel able to talk about how I was feeling and gave me all the possible options and services that are available to me.

I'm not really sure if I can find the words to say how grateful I am for being given the recent counselling.
It has changed my life immeasurably, and got me through some really difficult things and thoughts. I have no idea how I would have got through it without the support I have received. From challenging me on negative thoughts, helping me find hope and understanding to encouraging me to take time out from work when I really needed it, I can't imagine how anyone could have done a better job.

[I valued] having the support from a really nice counsellor. I felt safe and the help was amazing with coping strategies.

They were there when & if I needed help.

I felt like I was believed and wasn't judged with how I felt and everything that happened.

[The counsellor] was never judgemental and always kind.

Thank you for being there to talk to when I felt like I had no-one else. Thank you for getting me to talk about it all and then listening when I wouldn’t shut up!

She was kind and caring and dealt with my daughter and I with compassion.